Willingdon skipper Joel Craven believes victory over reigning champions Iden could be a turning point in his side’s season.

Craven’s men claimed their first win of the summer when they beat Iden by three wickets on Saturday.

They remain bottom of division one but have closed the gap on both Iden and Ringmer.

Craven said: “We got a bit of luck and made it count. It could be a turning point in our season.

“It is all about momentum and this gives us a bit of momentum to go forward with.

“We haven’t become a bad team over night. It was just things weren’t going our way.

“But we bowled well and held our catches. Duncan Ford was the star man, he was swinging it everywhere.”

Ford took 7-44 from 13 overs as Iden were skittled for 114, which included 49 from skipper Phil Shanks at No. 7 after they had slumped to 41-7 at one stage.

New wicketkeeper Will Collins led the way with 36 not out in reply and opener Daniel Lindop added 34.

Michael Turner scored his third century in as many matches as Ringmer piled on the runs against second-placed Ditchling. Turner scored a blistering 184 not out, including 22 fours and nine sixes, and shared in an opening stand of 150 with Murray Barnett as the hosts set 309-5. Ditchling made a steady start in reply but were left holding on at 179-7 in reply as Barnett took 4-65.

Crowhurst Park continued their revival with a second successive victory, this time by seven-wickets against Rye despite fielding a young side with five players under 22.

Captain Paul Brookes took 4-63 off 22 overs, including 11 maidens, and Paul Lindfield 3-28 as Rye were restricted to 167-9. Clive Tong (69) and Martin Barry (51) put on an opening stand of 116 in reply to set up the victory charge and Colin Ayres saw them home with 31 not out.

Leaders Barcombe recovered from 74-5 to reach a winning total of 224-7 at home to Battle.

Jez Reid (55), Elliot Scrivener (36) and Pete Matthews (34) helped the visitors set a challenging 223 all out, with Jaswinder Singh’s 4-45 being the pick of the bowling.

Barcombe were in trouble as Mick Gedye (5-46) caused problems but Paul Coppard dug in with a fantastic 70 not out, gaining support from Keith Savage (32) and Joe Wheatley (24), to secure an improbable win.

Chris Hart (85 not out), Simon Gayton (42) and Terry Penfold (41) helped Heathfield Park set 197-5 away to Rottingdean. Opener Junayed Khan hit 41 in reply but the hosts were left short on 184-7 at the close, with Piers Cowley taking 4-68.

Division two leaders Fletching had to settle for a draw at home to Newick who posted 210-7 with Richard Holland scoring a superb 121. Simon Stevens took 3-62 for the hosts who made 170-7 in reply with skipper Jamie Russell scoring 56 from 35 deliveries and Rob Atkin 35 as Chris Murphy took 3-36.

Pevensey failed to make up ground as they lost by 88 runs at home to third-placed Eastbourne III, who set 212-5. Dave Temple (52) hit his maiden league fifty for Pevensey.

Newhaven continued their good form with a six-wicket win against bottom side Hailsham who were restricted to 159-8 with Ashley Jarvis scoring 50 as Nick Young took 6-29 from 17 overs. Lee Poulton hit 44 as Newhaven chased down the total.

Buxted Park were seven wicket winners at home to Polegate and Stone Cross after Bryan Huxley took 5-48 to dismiss the visitors for 154. Luke Miles chipped in with 3-39 while Nick Corbett top-scored with 48. After tea, Dan Hopkins (46 not out), Rob Hunter (42), Ben Ferns (30) and Nathan Miller (26 not out) set up victory.

Alex Coomber (89) and James Hope (71) helped St Peters set 243-7 but they had to settle for a draw as visitors Tunbridge Wells Borderers held on at the close at 163-9 despite the efforts of Simon Coomber (4-35) and Phil Smith (3-41).